Ancient Chinese culture can advance eco-civilization, scholars say

Ancient Chinese culture can advance eco-civilization, according to scholars at a forum on Chinese culture and eco-civilization in Guiyang, capital of Guizhou province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The essence of Chinese cultural thinking should not only be used in dogmatic preaching. Instead, gems of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism should also serve as an approach to building a more mature and healthy eco-civilization, according to those at a forum on Chinese culture and eco-civilization held Friday in Guiyang, capital of Guizhou province.

Held by the International Confucian Association and Guiyang Confucius Academy, "Chinese culture and eco-civilization" is one of the 32 thematic forums of the ongoing 2015 Eco-Forum Global Annual Conference in Guiyang. Experts, scholars, and media professionals from around the country were on the panel and had a substantial and enlightening exchange on how traditional Chinese belief systems offer a unique cultural perspective on the building of a more eco-friendly society.

"The root of environmental protection is culture, not technology. Technology is only a tool wielded by human beings," Ye Xiaowen, forum chairman said, quoting scholar Xu Jialu in his opening remarks.

"Over the last hundreds of years, there is one mistake in the developmental mode of human society that is deeply rooted in a misconception that humankind is the center of nature, the earth and even the whole universe. People's obsession with materialism and blind pursuit of self-interests have led to an endless exploitation of nature, even contempt towards nature," he added.